Lake Biwa

Japan's largest freshwater lake. Located in central Shiga Prefecture, in central Honshū. It is divided into the North Lake and the South Lake. Known as the location of the eight scenic spots of Ōmi, the lake has been designated a quasi-national park, and has long been used as a main artery of transportation to provinces in the north. Lake water is used for irrigation, drinking, and industry, providing water to the Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe area. (adapted from Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. Tokyo: Kodansha, 1993)